Closing device for a pressure accumulator, torpedo with a pressure accumulator and said closing device for the pressure accumulator and use of said closing device for the closure of a pressure accumulator of a torpedo

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a locking device for a pressure reservoir. The invention also relates to a torpedo with a pressure reservoir with a locking device of this type and the use of a locking device of this type for the pressure reservoir of a torpedo. 
     The locking device ( 1 ) has an inlet side ( 3 ) and an outlet side ( 4 ), together with a locking element, which fluidically controls a connection between the inlet side ( 3 ) and the outlet side ( 4 ). Further, the locking device ( 1 ) has an actuator ( 11 ) to actuate the locking element. 
     In order to guarantee the envisaged operating pressure in the pressure reservoir, even after several years&#39; storage, it is provided in accordance with the invention that the locking element is a sealing membrane ( 5 ) and the actuator ( 11 ) has an opening spike ( 12 ), arranged so as to be movable, in whose path of travel the sealing membrane ( 5 ) is located.

The invention relates to a locking device for a pressure reservoir inaccordance with the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to atorpedo with at least one pressure reservoir for supplying pneumaticmechanisms and a locking device for the pressure reservoir in accordancewith claim 14. Further, the invention relates to the use of a lockingdevice for locking the pressure reservoir of a torpedo, in accordancewith claim 15.

The working gas for pneumatically operated mechanisms is enclosed in apressure reservoir. Here, a locking device for the pressure reservoircomprises an inlet side for connecting to the pressure reservoir, anoutlet side and a locking element, which controls a fluidic connectionbetween the inlet side and the outlet side. The locking element can beacted upon by means of an actuator of the locking device and the inletside can be fluidically connected to the outlet side, so that thepneumatic loads connected to the pressure reservoir are operated.

Pneumatic activation of working systems are provided, for example, intorpedoes, wherein, by opening a locking device of a pressure reservoir,the systems of the torpedo, each connected to the pressure reservoir,are activated as required. DE 195 37 683 C2 discloses a reservoirindependent of the outside atmosphere, for the electric energy for usein a torpedo, which is intended to provide the energy required for theelectric drive of the torpedo within the torpedo itself. The knownenergy store comprises a battery cell with galvanic elements, which isfilled with an inert gas, namely nitrogen, prior to activation. Theknown mechanism incorporates an oxygen-filled pressure reservoir for theactivation of the battery. On activating the battery, a shut-off valveof the pressure reservoir is opened by an external activation signalfrom a control device. A pressure regulator reduces the pressure of theoxygen so that this can actuate a cutting unit, which opens anelectrolyte canister. The reduced pressure is simultaneously transferredto the electrolyte canister. Under the pressure of the oxygen, theelectrolyte is forced out of the electrolyte canister into chambers ofthe individual battery cells.

By means of pneumatic actuation from a pressure reservoir, workingsystems can quickly be brought into service, for example, in the knownmechanism, the battery of a torpedo can be filled with electrolyte andactivated.

Where the pressure reservoir or a mechanism equipped with the pressurereservoir is stored for a longer period, however, a drop in pressureoften occurs in the pressure reservoir, so that, on opening the lockingdevice, sufficient pressure to actuate the connected pneumatic loads isno longer available. Torpedoes in particular, however, must still beimmediately operational, even after very long storage periods. Thus, itmust be ensured that the operating pressure is present in the pressurereservoir when the locking device is opened, even after the torpedo hasbeen stored for several years.

The present invention is based on the problem of guaranteeing theprovided operating pressure in a pressure reservoir, in particular, apressure reservoir in a torpedo, even after several years' storage.

The problem is solved in accordance with the invention by a lockingdevice for a pressure reservoir with the characteristics of claim 1. Theproblem is also solved by a torpedo with at least one pressure reservoirwith a locking device of this type with the characteristics of claim 14.Further, the problem is solved by the use of a locking device of thistype in accordance with claim 15 to lock a pressure reservoir of atorpedo.

In accordance with the invention, the locking element of the lockingdevice of a pressure reservoir is a locking membrane, wherein theactuator of the locking device has a opening spike arranged so as to bemovable. The sealing membrane is located in the path of travel of theopening spike, so that, on actuation, the opening spike is pushedthrough the sealing membrane and thus creates a fluidic connectionbetween the inlet side and the outlet side of the locking device. Thesealing membrane is thereby hermetically sealed, if necessary, by meansof additional sealants arranged in the connection between the inlet sideand the outlet side of the locking device, so that the pressurereservoir is pressure-resistant and permanently sealed. Here, thesealing membrane, the opening spike and the actuator are dimensioned sothat the sealing membrane is reliably pierced through by actuating theopening spike.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sealing membrane isarranged in a housing of the locking device and separates the inlet sidefrom the outlet side. The locking device can thus be connected to thepressure reservoir with little installation effort and locks thepressure reservoir permanently. In an advantageous embodiment, thesealing membrane is designed as one piece with the housing, so thatleaks are precluded. In a further advantageous embodiment, theconnection between the inlet side and the outlet side of the lockingdevice is designed as a connection opening in the housing, wherein thesealing membrane is fixed, hermetically sealed at the edge of theconnection opening.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing membrane isarranged on a membrane support incorporated in the housing of thelocking device. The membrane support is mounted in the housing as aseparate component so that the sealing membrane separates the inlet sideand the outlet side of the locking device fluidically. After actuatingthe locking device, and hence destroying the sealing membrane, thesealing membrane can be exchanged with little effort and the pressurereservoir can be refilled with a pressurizing medium for reuse.Advantageously the sealing membrane thereby forms one face of themembrane support and locks a passage for the spike in the interior ofthe membrane support. The passage for the spike is a hole hereby, whichextends to the vicinity of face of the sealing membrane. The sealingmembrane can also be designed as one part with the membrane support. Inproducing the membrane support, the passage for the spike isincorporated here, beginning with a side of the membrane supportopposite the sealing membrane, and continuing into the interior of themembrane support. Here, the remaining wall thickness of the face is thethickness of the sealing membrane, which is calibrated to the openingforce of the opening spike, so that, on actuating the locking device,the opening spike can reliably pierce the sealing membrane.

In one advantageous design of the invention, the housing of the lockingdevice has a vent hole at the level of a casing of the membrane support.At the same time, the vent hole reliably precludes the opening pressurebeing connected through to the connected pneumatic loads where leakagemay occur in the area of the sealing membrane, for example, afterstoring the locking device for a longer period, which, as a result,could unintentionally activate the connected pneumatic loads. In afurther advantageous embodiment of the invention, a seal is arranged ina section of the casing of the membrane support between the membranesupport and the housing, which is located on a side of the vent holeused for the sealing membrane. Thus, the outlet side of the lockingdevice is fluidically separated from the vent hole, so that anunintentional venting is precluded if the sealing membrane is pierced.

Advantageously, the opening spike is arranged on the outlet side of thelocking device, whereby the locking device, as a compact subassembly,can be connected to the connection nozzle of a pressure reservoir, forexample, a gas canister. A working gas under static pressure, forexample, nitrogen, is provided in the pressure reservoir. In particular,the arrangement of the opening spike on the outlet side prevents thefragments or slivers of the sealing membrane destroyed in the openingprocess from being carried away. The sealing membrane is penetrated bythe opening spike in the direction of the inlet side, wherein the freeend of the opening spike is guided to protrude through the level of thesealing membrane and prevents the edges of the opening formed in thesealing membrane from being pushed back in the direction of theiroriginal position by the static pressure on the inlet side.

Advantageously, the opening spike has at least one tip located facingthe sealing membrane, whereby piercing through the sealing membrane isfacilitated. In the process, the at least one tip of the opening spikeis shaped so that no fragments of the sealing membrane material areformed by piercing the sealing membrane. As a result, fragments of thesealing membrane are precluded from being carried into the connectedpneumatic loads with the fluid flow introduced from the pressurereservoir.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least onegroove is formed on the circumference of the opening spike, which, whenthe sealing membrane is pierced, creates a fluidic connection betweenthe inlet side and the outlet side of the locking device when theopening spike is intended to partially seal the opening formed in thesealing membrane with its cross-section. Thus, due to the arrangement ofgrooves on the circumference of the opening spike, the locking devicecan also be opened without withdrawing the opening spike.Advantageously, here, the grooves are formed in the direction ofmovement of the opening spike, so that, on the one hand, a reliablefluidic connection between the inlet side and the outlet side of thelocking device is formed. On the other hand, by extending the grooves inthe direction of movement of the opening spike, fragment formation onpiercing the sealing membrane is prevented since a cutting effect of theedges of the groove is precluded. Advantageously, multiple grooves arearranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the opening spike,whereby the overall passage cross-section is increased for the workinggas. In addition, regardless of the outline of the puncture opening inthe sealing membrane, there are always passage cross-sections, even ifone of the grooves should be obstructed by the outline of the punctureopening in the sealing membrane for deflected fragments of the sealingmembrane.

Advantageously, the actuator of the locking device incorporates anadjusting screw, which can be driven so as to rotate and function in alinear direction, and a spindle nut, inserted on the adjusting screw,which bears the opening spike. Here, the spindle nut is guidedlongitudinally to the housing of the locking device so that therotational movement of the adjusting screw is transformed into a linearworking motion of the opening spike. By means of the spindle drive withthe adjusting screw and the spindle nut inserted on the adjusting screw,a drive is created for the opening spike, which guarantees the reliablepiercing of the sealing membrane.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuatorincorporates an electric drive motor, wherein the adjusting screw isdriven by the drive motor. In the process, the drive motor furnishes theactuating power required to pierce the sealing membrane. In particular,the electric drive motor can be activated by the application of theelectric supply instantaneously, as well as automatically, if required,by an appropriate control signal of a control device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the openingspike is guided in the housing of the locking device, wherein positionsensors are arranged, attached to the housing in the area of the openingspike guide, which act in concert with an indicator on the circumferenceof the opening spike. Here, the indicator can be moved with the openingspike, so that the current position of the opening spike can bedetermined by the position sensors. In a preferred embodiment, theindicator is a magnet. Here, the position sensors are designed as Hallsensors. Here, a Hall sensor of this type sends a signal as a functionof a magnetic field, in particular, of the abovementioned magnet, towhich it is exposed. That fixed position sensor, which faces the magneton the circumference of the opening spike and which is thereforeactivated by the magnet, generates a position signal. Thus, even whenthe pressure reservoir and the locking device have been fitted, forexample, in a torpedo, the current position of the locking device can bereliably determined; in particular, it can be determined whether thesealing membrane has, in fact, been opened.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, three or more positionsensors are arranged in a line, wherein the middle position sensorcorresponds with an inactive state of the opening spike, and a furtherposition sensor arranged to the side of the middle position sensorcorresponds with the open stage of the locking device. Here, theinactive state is a state of the locking device, in which the sealingmembrane is intact and the opening spike is held ready to pierce thesealing membrane.

A regular check of the functionality of the position sensors is madepossible by arranging further position sensors on that side of theposition sensor indicating the inactive state, which corresponds to theposition sensor for the open position of the locking device. To checkthe functionality, the opening spike is moved in a direction of movementaway from the sealing membrane by means of the spindle drive. In theprocess, the position sensor provided for the testing operation respondswhen the magnet on the circumference of the opening spike faces theposition sensor and signals the operational readiness of the mechanism.

Advantageously, the spindle nut is guided at its circumference on thehousing of the locking device, wherein the spindle nut forms apiston-cylinder unit with the housing. The spindle nut guide, in theform of a piston, guarantees reliable guiding of the opening spike.Advantageously, a seal is arranged here, on the circumference of thespindle nut, whereby, by simple means, the outlet side of the lockingdevice is sealed.

Advantageously, the opening spike is arranged in a pressure chamberdesigned within the housing of the locking device, which has aconnection opening, wherein the connection opening and the sealingmembrane are located in planes set at an angle to one another. Thus,when the sealing membrane is pierced, a rectilinear throughflow of thepressure chamber is precluded, so that carrying fragments away is alsocountered.

In accordance with the invention, the locking device is used for lockinga pressure reservoir of a torpedo, so that the sealing membrane ensuresthe operating pressure in the pressure reservoir, even after a longstorage period of the torpedo. The activability of the pneumaticallyoperable mechanisms of the torpedo is therefore assumed, regardless ofthe storage period, i.e. even after a very long storage periods, sincethe sealing membrane hermetically locks the pressure reservoir.

A torpedo often incorporates multiple pneumatically operable andpneumatically activatable mechanisms or systems. At the same time, inone embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic mechanisms can beoperated from a common pressure reservoir, which is locked during thestorage period by means of a locking device in accordance with theinvention and can be opened as required. In further advantageousembodiments, separate pressure reservoirs, which can be openedindependently, are designated for each pneumatically activatablemechanism. Here, depending on the respective function of thepneumatically activatable mechanism, the respective pneumaticallyactivatable mechanism of the torpedo, switched accordingly, can besequentially put into operation or activated.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a pressure reservoir isequipped with the locking device in accordance with the invention, whichis connected to the corresponding pneumatically activatable mechanism ofthe battery unit to activate a battery unit or a battery part of atorpedo. In the process, in particular, a pneumatically activatableactivation device is attached to the operating supply reservoirs of thebattery unit, for example, an electrolyte reservoir and/or a coolantreservoir. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, thisactivation device incorporates a pneumatically activatable cutting unit.After the locking device in accordance with the invention is opened byactuating the opening spike and the working gas is thereby able to passout of the pressure reservoir, the cutting element of the activationmechanism is operated and the operating supply reservoir is opened.Thus, the contents of the respective operating supply reservoir of thebattery unit, namely an electrolyte or a coolant, can be conducted intothe battery cell section. In a battery unit, the interior of theoperating supply reservoir, which contains the electrolyte, for example,a battery fluid, is connected to the pressure reservoir, advantageously,with a pressure regulator inserted inline. After the pressure reservoiris opened, the released operating pressure, which can be adjusted bymeans of the pressure regulator, drives the electrolyte out of theoperating supply reservoir and conducts the electrolyte into theindividual battery cells of the battery cell section.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pressurereservoir with its locking device in accordance with the invention ispart of an actuation of an extendable radio antenna of a torpedo. A(remotely) controlled torpedo of this type, with an antenna section withan extendable radio antenna, is disclosed in DE 10 2009 040 152 A1. Theknown torpedo has a telescopic radio antenna, together with radiocommunications equipment for transmitting and/or receiving. The radioantenna is of such a length as to allow the surface of the water to bereached, even when the torpedo is submerged, in order hence to be ableto establish a communications connection and/or to be able to receivedata from a satellite navigation system. With an actuation system forthe telescopic radio antenna, which incorporates a pressure reservoirand the locking device for the pressure reservoir in accordance with theinvention, the telescopic antenna is extended pneumatically. In theprocess, after opening the locking device, the operating pressure isconducted from the pressure reservoir to the telescopic cylinder of thetelescopic radio antenna, whereby the telescopic cylinder extends due tothe force of the operating pressure of the pressure reservoir.

Further characteristics of the invention result from the subclaims andfrom the exemplary embodiments outlined in more detail below withreference to the drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a lockingdevice of a pressure reservoir,

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the opening spike according to II-II inFIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the locking device according to FIG. 1, inthe open position,

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a battery section of a torpedo with alocking device according to FIGS. 1 to 3 and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a locking device with anexchangeable sealing membrane.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 each depict a cross-section through a locking device 1for a pressure reservoir 2 depicted in FIG. 4. Nitrogen is enclosed inthe pressure reservoir 2 under static pressure as the working gas forsupplying pneumatically activatable mechanisms. The locking device 1locks the pressure reservoir in a pressure-resistant manner and can beopened when required. Here, FIG. 1 depicts the locking device 1 in theclosed position. The open position of the locking device 1 is depictedin FIG. 3.

The locking device 1 has an inlet side 3, for connecting to a pressurereservoir 2, and an outlet side 4, and a locking element, whichfluidically controls a connection between the inlet side 3 and theoutlet side 4. The locking element of the locking device 1 is a sealingmembrane 5, which separates an inlet chamber 7 allocated to the inletside 3 and a pressure chamber 8 allocated to the outlet side 4 inside ahousing 6 of the locking device 1.

The housing 6 has a connection opening 9 on the inlet side 3 of thelocking device 1, to which the pressure reservoir is connected when thelocking device 1 is installed. A connection opening 10 is designed onthe outlet side 4 in the housing 6, with which pneumatic loads orpneumatically activatable mechanisms can be connected to the lockingdevice 1.

An actuator 11 for impacting the sealing membrane 5 incorporates aopening spike 12, arranged so as to be movable, in whose path of travelthe sealing membrane 5 is located. In the exemplary embodiment depicted,the opening spike 12 is rod-shaped and is arranged to be able to bedisplaced longitudinally in the direction of a longitudinal axis 13 ofthe housing 6. To open the locking device 1, the sealing membrane 5 ispierced through using the opening spike 12. This position of the lockingdevice 1 is represented in FIG. 3, wherein the opening spike 12 createsan opening 14 in the sealing membrane 5, which fluidically connects theinlet side 3 with the outlet side 4 of the locking device 1.

At its free end, i.e. located facing the sealing membrane 5, the openingspike 12 has a tip 15, which facilitates cutting through the sealingmembrane 5 and, in particular, counteracts the formation of fragmentswhen the sealing membrane 5 is pierced. The tip 15 penetrates thesealing membrane 5 during the working motion of the opening spike 12 andthus widens the opening 14 in the sealing membrane 5. As can be seen inFIG. 2, in the cross-section of the opening spike 12, the opening spike12 is depicted in the exemplary embodiment with a circularcross-section, wherein multiple grooves 16 are designed on thecircumference of the opening spike 12, longitudinal to the opening spike12.

In the end position of the opening spike 12 depicted in FIG. 3, thegrooves 16 guarantee a fluidic connection between the inlet side 3 andthe outlet side 4, so that the locking device 1 can be opened, evenwithout withdrawing the opening spike 12. The grooves 16, evenlyarranged on the circumference of the opening spike 12, also ensure thatthe edge segments of the opening 14 of the sealing membrane 5 are evenlyand deliberately snapped off when the sealing membrane 5 is penetratedby the opening spike 12 and, in particular, when the sealing membrane 5is pierced. Thus, edge segments of the opening 14 of the pierced sealingmembrane 5 are also prevented from being able to be torn off and carriedalong with the volume flow through the open locking device 1 where theopening spike 12 is withdrawn from the end position depicted in FIG. 3.

The sealing membrane 5 in the exemplary embodiment depicted is a thinnedsection of a partition 17 of the housing 6, which, in the housing 6,separates the inlet chamber 7 from the pressure chamber 8 connected tothe outlet side 4. The one-piece design of the sealing membrane 5 andthe partition 17 guarantees a hermetic lock of a pressure reservoir,which can be stored with the locking device 1 for a longer periodwithout loss of pressure. The locking device is thus preferably used forlocking pressure reservoirs of torpedoes, which are often stored for alonger period and are subsequently expected to be rapidly ready foroperation.

In one exemplary embodiment, not depicted, the sealing membrane 5 isattached to the surrounding edge of an opening 18 of the partition 17and hermetically sealed, using additional sealant, if necessary.

The wall thickness of the sealing membrane 5 is measured so that, on theone hand, the sealing membrane 5 will permanently withstand theoperating pressure envisaged in the connected pressure reservoir and, onthe other hand, the sealing membrane 5 will be reliably pierced by theopening spike 12 when the opening spike 12 is actuated. FIG. 5 depicts across-section of a locking device 1 with a housing 6, in which thesealing membrane 5 is arranged on a membrane support 42. Here, asdescribed above for FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the sealing membrane 5 separatesthe inlet side 3 from the outlet side 4 of the locking device 1.

The membrane support 42 in the exemplary embodiment depicted is arotationally symmetric component and is inserted into the housing 6 ofthe locking device 1 so that its face 43 seals a through-hole betweenthe inlet side 3 and the outlet side 4. Here, the sealing membrane 5forms the face 43 of the membrane support 42 and seals a path of the pin44 in the interior of the membrane support 42. The path of the pin 44 isa hole in the centre of the membrane support 42. In the installationposition depicted, the membrane support 42 is located coaxially to theopening spike 12, so that the opening spike 12 can be moved through thepath of the pin 44 in the direction of the sealing membrane 5 with theaid of the spindle drive. Here, as described above in reference to FIG.1 and FIG. 3, the spindle drive incorporates, in particular, anadjusting screw and a spindle nut, to convert the actuation travel of adrive motor into a linear actuation movement of the opening spike 12.

The membrane support 42 in the exemplary embodiment depicted is designedin one piece with the sealing membrane 5, wherein the axial length ofthe central path of the pin 44 determines the wall thickness of thesealing membrane 5. In producing the membrane support 42, the path ofthe pin 44 is designed with a depth so that the material remaining inthe area of the face 43 forms the desired wall thickness of the sealingmembrane 5. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the sealing membrane5 is mounted, hermetically sealed, on the membrane support 42, as aseparate component.

The membrane support 42 is axially braced against the base of thehousing 6 by an assembly incorporating the opening spike 12, wherein themembrane support 42 fluidically seals the inlet side 3 of the lockingdevice 1 with the sealing membrane 5. A seal 45, for example, an O-ring,is arranged in the area of the face 43 of the membrane support 42, toimprove the sealing of the inlet side 3.

Due to the arrangement of the sealing membrane 5 on a membrane support42, following a locking device 1 actuation process, wherein the sealingmembrane 5 is destroyed, the sealing membrane can be exchanged withlittle effort. That is, the membrane support 42 is a separate componentin the housing 6. The membrane support 42 is removed from the housing 6along with the destroyed sealing membrane 5 and a new membrane support42 with an intact sealing membrane 5 is then inserted into the housing6.

The housing 6 has a vent hole 47 at the level of a casing 46. If thelocking device were to show signs of leakage in the area of the sealingmembrane 5 after a longer storage period, then gas would pass throughthe vent hole 47 of the inlet side 3 into the outlet side 4 and hencewould prevent the accidental activation of the pneumatic systemsconnected to the locking device 1. The membrane support 42 has asurrounding O-ring 48 on its casing so that there is an all-round sealbetween the membrane support 42 and the housing 6. Here, the O-ring 48is located in a section of the casing 46 of the membrane support 42,which is located on a side of the sealing membrane 5 facing away fromthe vent hole 47. In the process, the O-ring 48 precludes a fluidicconnection between the outlet side 4 of the locking device 1 and thevent hole 47. After the sealing membrane 5 has been pierced by theopening spike 12, a loss of pressure via the vent hole 47 is preventedby the O-ring 48.

The actuator 11 incorporates an adjusting screw 19, which can be drivento rotate, and a spindle nut 20, which bears the opening spike 12. Thespindle nut 20 acts in concert with the adjusting screw 19 by means ofan internal thread. The spindle nut 20 is also guided longitudinally ina cylindrical section of the housing 6, that is, by a guide groove 21 inthe direction of movement, in which a slide block 22 ensures thetranslational movement. In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the guidegroove 21 is formed on the circumference of the spindle nut 20. Theslide block 22, which meshes into the guide groove 21 when the spindlenut 20 is installed, is part of the cylindrical section of the housing 6in the exemplary embodiment depicted. The slide block 22, which can bemoved in the guide groove 21, synchronizes the rotary movement of theadjusting screw 19 with the linear motion of the spindle nut 20.

The actuator 11 also incorporates an electric drive motor 23, which isattached to the housing 6 of the locking device 1 and which drives theadjusting screw 21.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the opening spike12 is mounted on a face 24 of the spindle nut 20 facing the sealingmembrane 5, that is, screwed in as a separate component.

On its circumference, the spindle nut 20 guide also provides a guide forthe opening spike 12 attached to the spindle nut 20 in the housing 6 ofthe locking device 1.

The opening spike 12 is arranged in the pressure chamber connected tothe outlet side 4. A pressure-resistant seal is provided for thepressure chamber 8 by a seal arranged on the circumference of thespindle nut 20, which, in the exemplary embodiment depicted, is anO-ring 25. The connection opening 10 of the pressure chamber 8 and thesealing membrane 5 are located in respective planes, which are at anangle to one another. Thus, the transfer of pressure is guaranteed and,in addition, the working gas is conducted through the pressure chamber 8over a route at an angle, whereby the risk of fragments breaking of thepierced sealing membrane 5 is reduced.

Multiple fixed position sensors 26, 27, 28, designed, for example, asHall sensors, are arranged in the area of the spindle nut 20 guide,which act in concert with a magnet 29 arranged on the circumference ofthe spindle nut 20 and these each send a signal as a function of themagnetic field of the magnet 29 detected by them.

In place of a magnet 29, other indicators are arranged on thecircumference of the spindle nut 20 in further exemplary embodiments, towhich appropriately adapted position sensors 26, 27, 28 respond.

The position sensors 26, 27, 28, designed as Hall sensors, arelongitudinally arranged in a line, i.e. in the direction of thelongitudinal axis 13 of the locking device 1. If one of the positionsensors responds in the presence of the magnet 29, then a conclusion canimmediately be drawn as to the position of the opening spike 12 sincethe magnet 29 is moved with the opening spike 12 by means of the spindlenut 20.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted, three position sensors 26, 27, 28are arranged in a line, wherein the position sensor 26 in the middlecorresponds with the inactive state of the opening spike 1, which isrepresented in FIG. 1. In the inactive state, the sealing membrane 5separates the inlet side 3 from the outlet side 5 of the locking device1, while the opening spike 12 is held ready to pierce the sealingmembrane 5. The next position sensor 27 in the line of position sensors26, 27, 28 of the sealing membrane 5 corresponds with the open positionof the locking device 1, which is represented in FIG. 3, wherein theopening spike 12 protrudes through the sealing membrane 5. By evaluatingthe signals of the position sensors 26, 27, 28, the position of theopening spike 12, in particular, whether the locking device 1 has, infact, been moved into the open position after an actuation and thesealing membrane 5 has been pierced through can be reliably detectedwithout opening the housing 6 of the locking device. For this purpose,the position sensors 26, 27, 28 can be read out externally, for example,when the locking device is installed in a torpedo, by means of aninterface 39 (FIG. 4) on the outer hull of the torpedo.

The third position sensor 28, which is arranged beyond the sealingmembrane 5 relative to the middle position sensor 26, enables a test ofthe locking device, wherein the actuator 11 is driven against theworking direction for piercing the sealing membrane 5. Accordingly, inthe test, the adjusting screw 19 is driven in the opposite rotationaldirection by the drive motor 23, so that the opening spike 12 is notdisplaced in the direction of the sealing membrane 5, but instead, thespindle nut 12, with the opening tip 12, is retracted into the interiorof the cylindrical section of the housing 6. Once the magnet 29 facesthe third position sensor 28 on the circumference of the spindle nut 20,the operational readiness of the actuator 11 can be deduced from thecorresponding signal of the position sensor 28.

FIG. 4 depicts a section of a torpedo constructed in sections, namely abattery section 30 in the exemplary embodiment. The battery section 30incorporates a battery 31, which, after activating the torpedo, is usedto supply its electric systems. To activate the battery 31, among otherthings, an electrolyte is forced into the battery 31, which is held inan electrolyte reservoir 32 while the torpedo is in storage.

The electrolyte reservoir 32 is pneumatically operated in order todeliver the electrolyte to the battery 31. A pressure reservoir 2, thatis, a gas canister with a compressed gas reserve, is provided for thispurpose in the battery section 30 of the torpedo. The pressure reservoir2 is locked with a locking device 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 3. Asdescribed above, the locking device 1 is in the inoperative state priorto the activation, in which the pressure reservoir 2 is hermeticallysealed. The drive motor, with which the opening spike 12 can beoperated, is electrically activatable. Once the opening spike 12 piercesthe sealing membrane 5, the pneumatic impact of the electrolytereservoir 32 is directed into the lines. Hence, a pneumaticallyactivatable piston/cylinder unit 33 is switched ahead of the electrolytereservoir 32. At the same time, the actuator 34 of the piston/cylinderunit 33 and the connections of the piston/cylinder unit 33 which can beswitched by the actuator 34 are designed so that the hydraulicconnection between the electrolyte reservoir 32 and the battery 31 isreleased first.

Pressure is applied to the electrolyte reservoir 32 only after openingthe hydraulic feed line 35 in order to flush out the electrolyte. Afterthe blade 36 has opened the feed line 35, the actuator 34 connects apressure line 37 of the electrolyte reservoir 32 to the pressurereservoir 2 on its further opening stroke. A pressure regulator 38 isarranged in the pressure line 37, which reduces the operating pressurein the pressure reservoir 2, for example, 200 bar, to an electrolytepressure of approximately 5-6 bar.

Here, the edge of the actuator 34 in the area of the feed line 35 of theelectrolyte reservoir 32 is designed with sharp edges or as a blade 36.With the pneumatically operated movement of the actuator 34, the blade36 removes a seal, for example, a cap, which, in the inactive state,i.e. when the torpedo is in storage, seals the feed line 35.

The electric energy for the drive motor 23 is supplied via an interface39 on the outer hull of the battery section 30. In the actuationoperation, the drive motor 23 is controlled so that the adjusting screw19 drives the opening spike 12 through the sealing membrane 5, so thatthe systems of the torpedo connected to the pressure reservoir 2 arepneumatically actuated.

The position signals 40 of the position sensors 26, 27, 28 (FIG. 1) canalso be transferred via the interface 39, so that the position of thelocking device 5 can be verified without opening the torpedo. Thereby,for the purposes of regular maintenance, a test run can also beperformed, in which the drive motor 23 is driven in the oppositerotational direction to that of the actuation operation and opening thelocking device 1.

In a further exemplary embodiment, an evaluation unit 41 connected tothe interface 39 is provided in the battery section 30, which processesthe position signals 40 of the locking device 1 and can be controlledvia the interface 39.

In many exemplary embodiments, the torpedo contains furtherpneumatically activatable mechanisms or systems, the respective pressurereservoirs of which are opened on activation. A locking device 1 inaccordance with the invention is also connected to these pressurereservoirs according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, so that the torpedois immediately and reliably operational, even after a longer storageperiod.

In a further advantageous exemplary embodiment of a torpedo, the torpedoincorporates a pneumatically activatable mechanism to extend a radioantenna designed in the form of a telescopic antenna. A telescopiccylinder of a telescopically extendable radio antenna of the torpedo issupplied from a pressure reservoir, which is sealed with a lockingdevice 1 as described in FIGS. 1 to 3. Once the opening spike 12 of thelocking device pierces the sealing membrane 5 and thus releases theworking gas from the pressure reservoir, the operating pressure connectsthrough to the pressure chamber of the telescopic cylinder of the radioantenna, so that the radio antenna is extended out from the torpedo.Here, the telescopic cylinder is of such a length and consists of anappropriate number of telescopic tubes inserted into one another so thatthe radio antenna can break the surface of the water while the torpedois traveling close to the surface of the water. By means of the extendedradio antenna, the torpedo can establish a radio connection to anexternal carrier platform or, for example, receive navigationinformation via GPS, which is fed to its control unit and is taken as abasis for its navigation.

All characteristics referred to in the foregoing description of thefigures, in the Claims and in the introduction to the description can beapplied, both individually and in any combination with one another. Thedisclosure of the invention is therefore not limited to the combinationsof characteristics described or claimed. Rather, all combinations ofindividual characteristics should be viewed as having been disclosed.

1. A locking device for a pressure reservoir, comprising an inlet sidefor the connection to a pressure reservoir, an outlet side and a lockingelement, which fluidically controls a connection between the inlet sideand the outlet side and to an actuator designed for operating thelocking element, wherein the locking element comprises a sealingmembrane and the actuator comprises an opening spike, arranged so as tobe movable, in whose path of travel the sealing membrane is located. 2.The locking device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sealingmembrane is arranged in a housing of the locking device, wherein thesealing membrane hermetically seals an opening in a partition of thehousing.
 3. The locking device in accordance with claim 2, wherein thesealing membrane is arranged on a membrane support incorporated in thehousing, wherein the sealing membrane forms a face of the membranesupport and locks a path of the pin in the interior of the membranesupport.
 4. The locking device in accordance with claim 3, wherein thehousing comprises a vent hole at the level of a casing of the membranesupport, wherein a seal is arranged between the membrane support and thehousing in a section of the casing of the membrane support, which islocated on a side of the vent hole facing away from the sealingmembrane.
 5. The locking device in accordance with claim 1, wherein theopening spike is arranged on the outlet side of the locking device. 6.The locking device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the opening spikehas at least one tip located facing the sealing membrane.
 7. The lockingdevice in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one groove is formedon the circumference of the opening spike, wherein the grooves aredesigned in the direction of movement of the opening spike, whereinmultiple grooves are arranged at equal distances on the circumference ofthe opening spike.
 8. The locking device in accordance with claim 1,wherein the actuator incorporates an adjusting screw, which can bedriven so as to rotate, and an adjusting screw acting in concert with aspindle nut, which is guided longitudinally and bears the opening spike,wherein the spindle nut is guided longitudinally on the housing of thelocking device.
 9. The locking device in accordance with claim 1,wherein the actuator comprises an electric drive motor, wherein theadjusting screw is driven by the drive motor.
 10. The locking device inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the opening spike is guided in thehousing of the locking device, comprising position sensors arranged inthe area of the opening spike guide, fixed in place on the housing,which act in concert with a locator, which can be moved with the openingspike, wherein the locator is a magnet and the position sensors are Hallsensors.
 11. The locking device in accordance with claim 10, wherein theposition sensors comprise three position sensors arranged in a line,wherein the middle position sensor corresponds with an inactive state ofthe locking device with an intact sealing membrane.
 12. The lockingdevice in accordance with claim 7, wherein a spindle nut is guided onits circumference on the housing, wherein a seal is arranged on thecircumference of the spindle nut, wherein the seal is a circumferentialO-ring.
 13. The locking device in accordance with claim 1, wherein theopening spike is arranged in a pressure chamber, which has a connectionopening, wherein the connection opening and the sealing membrane arelocated in planes set at an angle to one another.
 14. A torpedo with atleast one pressure reservoir to supply the pneumatically operatedmechanisms of the torpedo and with a locking device for the pressurereservoir, the locking device comprising an inlet side for theconnection to the at least one pressure reservoir, an outlet side and alocking element, which fluidically controls a connection between theinlet side and the outlet side and to an actuator designed for operatingthe locking element, the locking element comprising a sealing membraneand the actuator comprising an opening spike arranged so as to bemovable in whose path of travel the sealing membrane is located. 15.(canceled)